The 22-year-old midfielder has been out of action since cracking his fibula during the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Barcelona on 31 March, and missed the end of the season.

Fábregas has been in Spain stepping up his rehabilitation work, as he aims to be ready for their opening match in South Africa, against Switzerland at Durban on 16 June.

Writing his captain's notes in the Arsenal match programme for the final Premier League game against Fulham, Fabregas revealed: "I am pleased to say that my recovery from a cracked fibula is on schedule.

"I have started jogging for the first time, and it looks as if I will begin running again properly tomorrow.

"I am happy with how things are going and now I just have to be patient, making sure I come back as strongly as I can."

Fabregas continued: "On May 24, I will join up with the Spanish national team and should be able to join in a bit when we play Saudi Arabia five days later.

"The timing is looking good for the World Cup, but I am sad not to have played a part in the end of Arsenal's season."